Kansas-based utility Westar celebrates centennial
It held receptions at all its Kansas offices to celebrate a century of providing electric service in the state. The utility got its start on December 11, 1909, when the American Power and Light Co. incorporated Kansas Gas and Electric Co. to operate south and southeast Kansas properties owned by Electric Bond and Share.
The Kansas Power and Light Co. was incorporated in 1924 to serve north and northeast Kansas.
The two operations merged in 1992, but continued to operate as KGE and KPL until 2002, when Western Resources became Westar Energy.
Westar Energy serves more than 684,000 customers in 55 counties.
Related News
California scorns fossil fuel but can't keep the lights on without it
SACRAMENTO - California wants to quit fossil fuels. Just not yet Faced with a fragile electrical grid and the prospect of summertime blackouts, the state agreed to put aside hundreds of millions of dollars to buy power from fossil fuel plants that are scheduled to shut down as soon as next year.
That has prompted a backlash from environmental groups and lawmakers who say Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approach could end up extending the life of gas plants that have been on-track to close for more than a decade and could threaten the state’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2045.
“The…
